Fire extinguisher



G. T. PEARSONS'. 'FIRE EXTiNGUlSHER.'

APPLICAIION FILED MAR. 29 1915..

Patented May 30, 1922.

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To aZZ w from it may concern: Be it known that I, Gnonon T. PEAR SONS, citizen of the United States of America,

residing at New York city, county of New York, State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Fire EX- tinguislmrs, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawing. 3

This invention relates tofire extinguishers. in which a fire extinguishing liquid is discharged or expelled "from a tanker reservoir by the force of a gas generated in said tank, the gas generating materials being contained in a generator in the tank in a normally Separated condition and free from the liquid in the tank.

. It is the object of the invention to provide a fire extinguisher ofthis type which is in the nature of a unit sprinkler apparatus in which means are released by means fusible at a predetermined temperature and above the highest ordinary atmospheric tempera 'ture to cause the gas generating materials to adinix and generate the gas to expel the I fire extinguishingliquid from the reservoir.

. in the drawing accompanying and forming a part of this specificationFlgure l is a sectional side elevation of a fire extinguisher illustrating an embodiment of my invention andshowing the parts in'position with the gas generating materials in a separated condition and free from the liquid in the reservoir. l

t Figure 2 is a similar view'but showing the parts in position to permit the admixing of the gas generating materials and the genergas-to enter the reservoir to "expel the liquid therefrom; and I Figure '3 is a sectional side elevation of a -modifie.ct form of construction showing the parts in position to malntain the gas generating materials in a separated condition.

Similar characters of reference designate likewise throughout the different views in the vdrawing.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figuresl and 2 conslsts ot a reservoir or tankior a fire extinguishing liquid, such as carbon tetrachloride and having a discharge outlet 14. The liquid is discharged from the reservoir through the medium of gas pressure generated in a receptacle or generator in the reservoir. The gas generating materials are normally maintained in a separated non-reactive condition and free from y Specification ofIietters late'nt." p ngaa tr ygoa Application filed march 29, 1915. Serial volizmam i I the liquid in "therese'rvoirx F or this pun of sodium. The receptacle engagesin the top of thereservoir the upper chamber-hav ing screwthreaded connection, as at 4 with the upper end of the reservoir and serves to close such end. The chamber B has a cen tral outlet in the bottom toward which the inner walls converge, the top'being closed'by cover 19. 'The'section" 2 of the receptacle constituting the chamber A is arranged to have longitudinal movement with respect to a section 4 for which purpose section 4: is provided with an annular recess 11 in which the" upper-end-of the section 2' engagesto have sliding movement. To shutoff the access of the material from the chamber B through he opening in the bottom of chambere,

provide a plug 6 which is in thefnatureof a valve movable-with the section 2, but saidvalve, being carried by a stem 5 extending soy through the section 2 and secured thereto vas at 20 and through'a'nopening 15in the bottom oi? the reservoir'to' permit ofthe ac tuation thereoffrom'the exterior of the res ervoir. The parts-are retained in their n01! mal positions with the gas generating mate rials in a separated condit on, as shownin: 1

Figure l, by fusible means, such asfa cap'9 of fusible material, engaging in and sealing the H opening 15 through whichthe stem 5",

passes and upon which of the stem rests.

" The reservoir and the'separated' chambers cap the lower end of the receptacle or generator are adapted to be filled one independently of the; other:- .Tl1e reservoir is filled Y with'thefiree tin-K guishing liquid througha fillertube' 1'7 passing through the section land having a Clo-- sure cap 17 Chamber A isfilled through a tube lfi also passing through the section a and having a closure cap lfifl'andthe chainber- B is filled through a central opening inthe cover 19 closed-by a screw threaded plug 17 A cap 22 having screw. threaded-connection with thereservoir engages over the" cover-19 and closures iortherespective'filler;

openings, thereby preventing accidental CliS-'; placement of the closures, and having perio';

rated ears or-lugs 27 whereby to suspend the extinguisher; Instead ofthe lugs 27 the lower end of the reservoir may be externally screw threaded, as at 24c, to have screw threaded connection with a plate 25 which may be located in the ceiling or the like to removably support theextinguisher and as clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2. Engaging in the outlet 14: is a tube or pipe 12 extending up into the reservoir and bent reversely so that the opening to the pipe will lie adjacent the bottom of the reservoir. The other end of the pipe projects through the outlet and is closed by a sprinkler head 13.

The operation of the extinguisher as described operates substantially as follows: As-

suming the parts to be in the positions indicated in Figure 1 with the fire extinguishing liquid in the tank and the gas generating materials in the generator in a separated condition maintained in said position by fusible .cap 9, the outlet being closed by the sprinkler head 13. As soon as suliicient heat is developed, which will of course be higher. than ordinary atmospheric temperature, the cap 9 will be fused or melted releasing stem 5 and permitting it to move downward by its own weight drawingthe valve 6 away from its seat in the opening in the bottom of the chamber B permitting the chemical therein to drop into the acid in the chamber A, the admixture of such materials at once generating gas. It willbe noted that during the initial movement of the receptacle section 2 and at the beginning of the connection of the chambers A and B, the chamber is not connected to the reservoir, but as the section 2 con tinues to move down it will be drawn out from the recess 11, as shown in F gure 2, whereby said chamber will be in communication with the reservoir said movement of the stem and receptacle section 2 continuing until a valve plug 7 carried by the stem en gages with a seat 8 in the opening 15 sealing said opening and also serving as a stop to limit the downward movement of the stem with its connected mechanism. v To facilitate and assure the receptacle section 2 moving downward when the cap 9has been fused I provide a spring or springs 10 within said section and tension to force the receptacle section 2 downward. These springs are normally enclosed by tubes 21 fixed in the bottom of the receptacle A to prevent deterio rating action of the acid on the metal of the springs. Section 2 is guided in its movement by adjustable pins 18 fixed in the inner wall of the reservoir with their ends abutting against said section, as clearlyshown in Figures 1 and 2. I v

If desired the valve stem 5 may be utilized to discharge the liquid from the reservoir and the outlet 14: with the sprinkler head 13 secured therein omitted. For this purpose the stem 5 consists of a tube and has a port 25 to connect it to the reservoir and asprinkler head v26 connected to the end thereof. In

this construction the opening 15 is in the form of a bushing or sleeve screw threaded .tube andbe distributed by the sprinkler head.

In Figure 8 the receptacle or generator is of an integral structure separated into two chambers by the valve 6 and connected to the reservoir by a port or ports 29 in the chamher A. The valve stem is slidably mounted in the bottom of the chamber -A passing through a-guide 30,,the valve being main tained closed the same as in Figures 1 and 2 by the fusible cap 9. WVhen the cap 9 1s fused the valve willdrop, the, dropping-0t the valve being assured by a weight 28 fixed to the valve stem, when the gas generating materials will admix generating gas which passes through the ports 29 to the reservoir i and forcibly expelling the liquid therein through an outlet the same as 1 1 in Figures 1 and 2, in which case the exit of the liquid ;rom the reservoir through the opening therein through which the valve stem 6 passes is sealed by the valve plug .7. If desired the valve stem maybe hollow and have the intake port 25 to expelthe liquid throughthe valve stem the same in Figures 1and2.

1. A portable sprinkler fire extinguisher comprising, in combination a reservoir to contain extinguishing liquid and having a discharge outlet; a'gas generator in said reservoir having an outlet leading into. the. reservoir, said generator having .means therein to normally maintain gas generating inaterialsin a separated condition, and said means having a part toextend'to the exterior oi the reservoir and discharge the" liquidfrom the reservoir therethrough; and fusible means with which said extending portion engages to position said part within the reservoir and. with the connected means in the generator in position to maintain the gas generating materials in a separated con- Iv dition. and the fusing of said tusiblemeans permitting said means to move and the gas- 'eneratin materials to mix in thepenerator. D t? o 2. In a fire extinguisher, the combination" of a reservoir for a lire extinguishing liquid and having a discharge outlet; a receptacle in said reservoir having provisions to normally hold gas generatingmaterials in a separated condition, a part ol said receptacle beingmovable with respect to the other part of the. receptacle to permit the materials to admix. subs rantially as and for the e purpose specified.

3. in a fire extinguisher, the combination with a reservoir for tire extinguishing liquid having an outlet; a gasgenerator in said reservoir having an' outlet-leadinginto the reservoir, a valve to separate said generator into tWo chambers and normally hold gas generating materials in'a separated cond1 tionin said generator; a tubular stem connected to said valve passing through and slidable in an opening in thereservoir'to the exterior thereof to discharge the liquid from the reservoir; and a fusible closure for'the opening through which the stem projects and with which closure the stem engages to normally maintain the stem in position within the, reservoir with the, valve maintaining the gas generating materialsin a separated condition in the generator, the fusing of the closure permitting the movement of the stem with the valve and the mixing of the materials in the generator, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

4. In a fire extinguisher, the combination of a reservoir for a fire extinguishing liquid and having an outlet; a receptacle in said reservoir fora gas generating material; a second receptacle for a gas generating material longitudinally extensible with relation to the first receptacle and having a part to c'o-operate with the first receptacle to normally separate the two receptacles and maintain the gas generating materials ina separated condition; a stem connected to said second receptacle extending through an opening in the reservoir;gand fusible" means co-operating with said stem to maintain the receptacle in position with the materials in v the two receptacles separated; the' fusing thereof permitting movement of the one receptacle to disconnected the two receptacles to cause the materials to admix and the generated gas to enter theireservoir, substantiallyas and for the purpose specified.

5. In a fire extinguisher, the combination of a reservoir for a fire extinguishing liquid and having an outlet; a receptacle in said reservoir having a chamber for a gas generating material and connected to the reservoir; a second chamber fora gas generating material in said receptacle; a valve normally disconnecting said chambersand having a stem to pass through an opening in the reservoir; fusible means co-operating with the valve stem to maintain the valve closed to disconnect, the chambers and to opening through which the valve stem passes,

the fusing thereof permitting the opening the chambers; and a of the valve to connect 7 q sprinkler head connected to the reservoir outlet, substantially as and for the purpose specified. p i 6. In afire extmgulsher, the combinatlon of a reservoir for a fire extinguishing liquid and having 'anoutlet; means to form a cham ber for a gas generating material in said reservoir and connected to the latter; means co-operating with said chamber to form -a second chamber in said reservoir for another having longitudinal movement to the first'chamber to connect the second chamber with the reservoirg and a valve a chamber in said close the said gas generating material, said means constie tuting the second chamber being longitudinally movable relative to the other chamber and having a stem to pass through anopening in the reservoir; a valve carried by the stem to normally disconnect fusible means the. opening for the passage of the stem and co-operating with said stem to maintainthe valveclosed and the second chamber inposi-i tion to disconnect it-from'the reservoir, the

fusing of said fusible means permitting the opening of thevalve to-"connect said chamber to constitute a second chamber for a gas generating material; said means wlth respect carried by said means to shut off one chamber from the other and maintain the gas generating materials. in a separa'ted condition. i

n a fire extmgulsher,theflcombinat on '8. I or" a reservoir for a fire extinguishing liquid; reservoir for a gas generating materlal; means co operating with said chamber to constitute'asecond cham ber-fora gas generating material; said the chambers;' outside the ,reservolr to close the two gch'ambers andthe connecting of the second respect to the first chamberto connectthe second chamber with the reservoir; a hollow stem connected. to and movable stem arranged to pass through {anopening in the reservolr and having a port connecting with the means to constitute the second chamber, said 1'05 with the reservoir; and fusible meansto seal and co-operating with the stem to maintain the movable chamber in purpose specified. j I

9. In. a-fire extlngulsher; thepcombinati'on ating material; meansco-operating with said chamber to'constitute a second chamber for a gas generating material, said-means .having longitudinal movement with respect/to the first chamber nected to and movable with the means con stitutingthe second chamber,-sa1d stem arranged -to pass the reservoir; a

through an, opening in the ITQSGI'VOlIf and having a port connecting with} sprinkler head connected to I stem; anda fusible cap toseal the opening through, which theihollow stem passes to connect the-second cham- 1 her with the reservo 1r;-a hollow stem con- 100 means having longitudinal movement w'ith 1 15 of a reservoir for a fire extinguishing liquid; a jchamberln 'sai'd reservoir for agas gener- 35 exert pressure on the fire extii'iguishing liqand oo-operate with the stem to maintain the movable chamber 1n position to cut off communication between said chamber and the reservoir, the fusing of said cap permi ting the valve to open and the admixing of the materials and connecting the movable chamber to the reservoir; and said stem hav ing means to engage in and seal the opening in the reservoir through which the stern passes and to cause the liquid from thereservoir to be expelled through the port in the stem and also limit the movement of the movable chamber.

10. In a fire extinguisher, the combination with a reservoir of a receptacle for a gas generating material supported in said reservoir; a second receptacle for a gas generating material; a valve normally separating the receptacles and maintaining the gas generating materials in a separated condi tion in said receptacle; ahollo'w valve stem extending through an opening in the reservoir a d having a lateral port communicat-.

ing with the interior of the reservoir; and a fusible plug co-operating with said stem to retain the valve in position with the materials in a separated condition in the receptacles the fusing. of said plug permitting movement of said stem and valve to connect the receptacles and the admixing of the materials, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

11. In a fire extinguishe a reservoir for fire extinguishing liquid; normally inert means in the reservoir operable to create and uid to discharge the same from the reservoir; and means normally sealed within the reservoir to discharge the fire extinguishing liquid exteriorly of the reservoir said inert means being adapted to create pressure and exert the same on the fire extinguishing liquid in the reservoir and the means to discharge the liquid to the exterior of the reservoir being releasable when the temperature adjacent the reservoir reaches a predetermined degree. v

12. In a fire extinguisher a reservoir for a fire extinguishingliquid; normally inert pressure creating means within the reservoir operable to create and exert pressure on the fire extinguishing liquid to discharge the same from the reservoir when the temperature adjacent the reservoir reaches a pre' determined degree, and means normally within the reservoir adapted to be projected from the reservoir to discharge the fire ex tinguishing liquid exteriorly of the reservoir. I

13. In a re extinguisher a reservoir for a fire extinguishing liquid; means operative to place said liquid under pressure when the temperature adjacent the reservoir reaches a predetermined degree; and. means nor mally within the reservoiradapted to be projected therefrom to from the reservoir 'exteriorly thereof when the liquid is placed under pressure.

14-. In a fire extinguisher a reservoir to.

contain fire extinguishing liquid; means op erative to place said liquid under pressure in the reservoir; and means'to discharge the liquid exteriorly of'the reservoir positioned within the reservoir when the'pressure ore-- ating means is inactive. Y i

1.5. In a fire extinguisher a reservoir to contain fire extinguishing liquid; means operative to place said liquid under pressure in the reservoir and project a tube from the reservoir through which to discharge the liquid from the reservoir exteriorly thereof; and means releasable at a predetermined temperature to set said pressure creating means in operation.

16. In a fire extinguisher, the combination of reservoir to contain fire extinguishing liquid and having an opening therein; a fusible closure for said opening; 'a'tube through which to discharge the liquid from i the reservoir exteriorly thereof positioned within the reservoir by the fusible closure and adapted to be pro ected through said opening upon the fusing of the said closure;

discharge the liquid and means set in operation upon the fusing of the fusible closure to place the liquid in the reservoir under pressure.

17. In a fire extinguisher, the combination of a reservoir to contain fire extinguishing liquid and having an opening therein; a fusible closure .for said opening; means in the reservoir including a tube through which to discharge the liquid from the reservoir exteriorly thereof positioned within the reservoir by the fusible closure to maintain gas generating materials in a separated condition and operative upon the, fusing of the fusible closure to project the tube through said opening and cause the gas generating materials to mix to create pressure and place the liquid under "pressure in the reservoir.

l8.- ln a lire extinguisher, the combination of a reservoir to contain'iire extinguishing liquid and having an opening therein; a fusible closure for said opening; a receptacle in the reservoir; means including a tube through which to discharge the liquid from the reservoir and exteriorly thereof. maintained in position within. the reservoir by the fusible closure to hold gas generating materials in a separated condition in the receptacle and operative upon the fusing of the fusible closure crating-materials to mix to generate gas and place the sure.

liquid in the reservoir under pres- I to project the tube through said opening and cause the gas gen- 19. In a fire extinguisher, the "combination of a reservoir to contain fire extinguishing l1qu1d and having an opening therein; a fusible closure tor said opening; a recepble at a predetermined temperature 'a gas generator in said reservoir, said generator having means including a part to engage the fusible closure to posltion sald means and maintain gas generating materials ina separated condition in the enerator, and 010- erable upon the fusing of the fusible closure to cause the gas generating materials to mix to generate gas and place the liquid in the reservoir under pressure.

21. In a fire extinguisher a reservoir to contain fire extinguishing liquid having an opening; a closure for said opening :t'usible at a predetermined temperature; a gas generator in said reservoir having means to hold gas generating materials in the generator in a separated condition including a tubular member to engage 1n the opening in the reservoir to discharge the liquid there through from the reservoir exteriorly thereof, and normally positioned within the rservoir by the fusible closure and maintaining the gas generating materials in a separated condition in the generator, and operative upon the fusing of the fusible closure to project the tubular member through the" reservoir opening and cause the gas generating materials to mix to generate gas and place the liquid in the reservoir under pressure. r

22. In a fire extinguisher a reservoir to contain fire extinguishing liquid and having an opening; a closure for said opening fusible at a predetermined temperature; a tube through which to discharge the liquid from the reservoir exteriorly thereof normally maintained within the reservoir by said fusible closure and adapted to'be projected through the opening in the reservoir upon the fusing of the fusible closure; and normally inactive pressure creating means caused to be set in operation as the discharge tube is projected through the reservoi opening.

23. In 'an automatic fire extinguisher, a

container for 'a fire extinguishing fluid,

means adapted automatically to place said} fiuid under compression when a predeter mined temperature isreachedand means normally within said container adapted to expel the fluid at a point exterior tosaid container.

24. In a fire-extinguisher, the combination of a container for a fire-extinguishing fluid,

means adapted to place, said fluid under compression, and means adapted to be projected from said container forconveying said fluid to a'point exterior to said container and there ejecting it. i g j 25. In a fire extinguisher, the comblnatlon of a container for a fireeextingulshing fluid,

means adapted to place said liquid under I compression, ,and means for ejecting said liquidat a point exterior to saidcontainer, said means being posltioned Within said con,- tamer when the CODIPI'GSSIOHIIIGELIIS 1s 1nactive.

26. In a fire-extinguisher, the combination of a container for a fire-extinguishing fluid,

means adapted to compress said fluidiand to project a nozzle from said container, and

means for causing said compression means to become'operative.

27. A gas pressure generator for fire ex-' tinguishers comprising superposed recepta' cles to carry gas generating materials, one of i which is arranged with an outlet and the superposed receptacle having an opening in the bottom; a closure for said opening to re-' tain the material in said superposed recep tacle; and fusible means to retain said 1 closure in closed specified. q 28. A gas generator for fire extinguishers comprising superposed receptacles to carry gas generating materials, one of which reposition for the purpose ceptacles is arranged with an outletand the superposed receptacle having an opening in the bottom; a closure for said opening ineluding a slidably supported stem; and re- J leasable meanscopperating with saidstem to release the closure and permit'theigas generating material in the superposed receptacle to mix with the gas generatingmaterial in the lower receptacle for the purpose specified. g

In testimony whereof, the said GnoRenT. PEARSONS has signed hisnameto this's'peci' Withesses: J MARION M. SHIELDS, INGRID GLAESON,

'fication in the presence oftvvo subscribing Witnesses, this twenty-fifthday' of March,"

eno. r. rna asous. 

